Collapsible table and a method for collapsing a table

ABSTRACT

A collapsible table and a method for collapsing a table are provided. The table may have a platform having a length defined between a first end and a second end. Legs may be attached to the platform at the first end and the second end. A bar may connect each of the legs at the first end to each of the legs at the second end. As a result, each of the legs at the first end may be moved in a clockwise or counter-clockwise manner toward the second end. The platform may then be folded towards the legs. In the folded state, the table may have a reduced overall width and may be transported from a first location to a second location or otherwise reduced in overall dimension to simplify storing of the table.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a collapsible table and amethod for collapsing a table. More specifically, the present inventionrelates to a table having a platform and legs attached to the platform.The legs at a first end of the platform may be attached to the legs at asecond end of the platform by a bar. As a result, the legs at the firstend may be moved around the legs at the second end in a clockwise orcounterclockwise manner. The platform may be folded downward towards thelegs at the second end. As a result, the collapsible table may be in astate which enables transport of the table from a first location to asecond location.

Tables having a platform and four legs extending from the platform toprovide stability to the table are known. Certain tables have legs whichare fixed to the platform and cannot be folded. Without an ability tofold the legs of the table, the user, in some cases, must tilt the tableto find a position at which the table can be transported through thedoorway. As a result, transport of the table is a labor-intensive task.

Other known tables have legs which can be folded. However, when the legsare folded, the user must hold the platform at one end to secure thetable. Holding the platform at one end causes a physical strain on theuser from the weight of the table. As a result, two or more individualsare often required to transport the table.

A need, therefore, exists for a collapsible table and a method forcollapsing a table which may provide a platform sized to receivedocuments wherein the table may be collapsed to allow convenienttransport of the table.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a collapsible table and amethod for collapsing a table. A platform may be provided which may havelegs extending from a first end and a second end of the platform. A barmay connect the legs at the first end to the legs at the second end. Asa result, the legs at the first end may be pivoted toward the secondend. The platform may then be folded towards the legs. The table maythen have a reduced overall width and may be transported from a firstlocation to a second location.

To this end, in an embodiment of the present invention, a table isprovided. The table has a platform having a length defined between afirst end and second end and a width defined between a first side and asecond side. The table also has a first plurality of legs attached to abottom surface of the platform at the first end of the platform whereinthe first plurality of legs are vertical and parallel to one anotherdefining a plane between the first plurality of legs. In addition, thetable has a second plurality of legs attached to the platform at thesecond end of the platform wherein the second plurality of legs arevertical and parallel to one another. Further, the table has a barconnecting one of the first plurality of legs to one of the secondplurality of legs wherein one of the second plurality of legs rotatesalong an axis defined by one of the first plurality of legs towards theplane.

In an embodiment, the table has a rod extending from the platformwherein the rod is received within one of the second plurality of legs.

In an embodiment, the table has wheels attached to one of the firstplurality of legs.

In an embodiment, the table has a rail attached to the platform at thesecond end.

In an embodiment, a bar between the bottom surface of the platform andthe first plurality of legs wherein the platform pivots with respect tothe bar.

In an embodiment, a shelf attached to the bar.

In an embodiment, each of the second plurality of legs is shorter thaneach of the first plurality of legs.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a table is provided. Thetable has a platform having a length defined between a first end and asecond end wherein the platform has a bottom surface. The table also hasa first plurality of legs removably attached to the platform at thefirst end wherein each of the first plurality of legs has a lengthdefined between a top end and a bottom end wherein the top end isadjacent to the bottom surface of the platform. In addition, the tablehas a second plurality of legs attached to the platform at the secondend wherein each of the first plurality of legs rotates about an axisdefined by each of the second plurality of legs wherein the top end ofeach of the first plurality of legs rotates about the axis from thefirst end of the platform to the second end.

In an embodiment, the table has a bar connecting each of the firstplurality of legs to each of the second plurality of legs.

In an embodiment, the table has wheels associated with each of the firstplurality of legs.

In an embodiment, the table has a bar connected to each of the secondplurality of legs wherein the platform is attached to the bar.

In an embodiment, the table has a rod extending from the platformwherein the rod contacts the top end of one of the first plurality oflegs.

In an embodiment, the table has a shelf positioned between the firstplurality of legs and the second plurality of legs.

In an embodiment, the table has a rail attached to the platform.

In an embodiment, each of the second plurality of legs is longer thanthe each of the first plurality of legs.

In an embodiment, the table has a bar attached to the bottom surface ofthe platform wherein the bar contacts one of the first plurality of legsand one of the second plurality of legs.

In an embodiment, the table has fasteners attached to the firstplurality of legs wherein the fasteners secure the platform to the firstplurality of legs.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided forcollapsing a table. The method has the steps of: providing a platformhaving a length defined between a first end and a second end; removablyattaching a first plurality of legs to the platform at the first end;attaching a second plurality of legs to the platform at the second end;and connecting one of the first plurality of legs to one of the secondplurality of legs wherein the one of the first plurality of legs rotatesabout an axis defined by the one of the second plurality of legs.

In an embodiment, the method has the further step of folding theplatform wherein the first end of the platform is moved adjacent to thesecond plurality of legs.

In an embodiment, the method has the further step of detaching theplatform from the first plurality of legs.

It is, therefore, an advantage of the present invention to provide acollapsible table and a method for collapsing a table wherein the tablemay be folded to reduce an overall size of the table.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a collapsibletable and a method for collapsing a table wherein the table may beeasily transported from a first location to a second location.

Still another advantage of the present invention is to provide acollapsible table and a method for collapsing a table which may reducean amount of labor required for transporting the table.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide acollapsible table and a method for collapsing a table wherein the tablemay have a platform which may be sized to receive documents, such as,for example, blueprints, or other documents.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention aredescribed in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of thepresently preferred embodiments and from the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a table in an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the table of FIG. 1 in asemi-folded state.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the table of FIG. 1 in a foldedstate.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the table of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention generally relates to a collapsible table and amethod for collapsing a table. In an embodiment, the table may have aplatform having a length defined between a first end and a second end.Legs may be attached to the platform at the first end and the secondend. A bar may connect each of the legs at the first end to each of thelegs at the second end. As a result, each of the legs at the first endmay be moved in a clockwise or counter-clockwise manner toward thesecond end. The platform may then be folded towards the legs. In thisstate, the table may have a reduced overall width and may be transportedfrom a first location to a second location.

Referring now to the figures wherein like numerals refer to like parts,FIG. 1 illustrates a table 2 which may have a platform 4 having a length6 defined between a first end 8 and a second end 10. The platform 4 mayhave a width 12 defined between a first side 14 and a second side 16.The length 6 and the width 12 may be sized wherein documents, such as,for example, a blueprint or like document may be placed on a surface 22.To this end, the length 6 may be, for example, in a range from two feetto five feet. The width 12 may be, for example, in a range from two feetto five feet. The platform 4 may be constructed from, for example, wood,plastic, glass, or other like material or combination of materials.

The platform 4 may have a rail 18 attached at the first end 8. The rail18 may be constructed from, for example, wood, metal, plastic, or otherlike material. The rail 4 may extend from the first side 14 to thesecond side 16. In an embodiment, the platform 4 may be angled. The rail18 may contact documents placed on the platform 4 and may prevent adocument placed on the platform 4 from sliding from the surface 22. Theplatform 4 may have rods 24 a, 24 b, better illustrated in FIG. 4,extending from bars 25 connected to a bottom surface 26. The rod 24 amay be adjacent to the second side 16. The rod 24 b may be adjacent tothe first side 14. The rods 24 may be constructed from metal, wood,plastic, or like material.

Referring again to FIG. 1, legs 30 a, 30 b may be attached at the firstend 8 of the platform 4. The legs 30 a, 30 b may have a length 28 whichmay be, for example, in a range from two feet to four feet. Legs 32 a,32 b may be attached to the platform 4 at the second end 10. The legs 32a, 32 b may have a length 34 which is greater than the length 28 of thelegs 30 a, 30 b. For example, the length 34 may be in a range of threefeet to five feet. As a result, the platform 4 may be angled wherein thesecond end 10 is higher than the first end 8. Accordingly, documentsplaced on the platform 4 may be angled towards the user who may be, forexample, standing adjacent to the table 2 and viewing the documents. Thelegs 30 a, 30 b, 32 a, 32 b may be constructed from, for example, wood,plastic, metal or any other like material.

Each of the legs 30 a, 30 b, 32 a, 32 b may be attached to wheels 40.Locking casters 41 may be provided on the wheels 40 to prevent movementof the wheels 40. The legs 30 a, 30 b may have openings 50 which mayreceive the rods 24 a, 24 b when the platform 4 rests on the legs 30 a,30 b. The rods 24 a, 24 b may be secured within the openings 50 viascrews 51. Securing of the rods 24 a, 24 b within the openings 50 mayprevent movement of the legs 30 a, 30 b.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, a bar 80 may be attached to the legs 32 a, 32b. Fasteners 82 may be attached to the bottom surface 26 of the platform4 and may surround the bar 80. The fasteners 82 may act as a hinge forthe platform 4 wherein the platform 4 may be pivoted, as illustrated byarrow 84.

Referring again to FIG. 1, bars 42 a, 42 b may connect the leg 30 a tothe leg 30 b. In addition, bars 44 a, 44 b may connect the leg 30 b tothe leg 32 b. The bars 42 a, 42 b, 44 a, 44 b may have a female portion46 which may be shaped to receive the legs 32 a, 32 b. For example, thefemale portion 46 may be U-shaped, C-shaped, straight or circular. Thefemale portions 46 may be secured around the legs 32 a, 32 b viafasteners (not shown), such as, for example, screws, bolts, straps orlike fasteners and may act as a hinge. More specifically, the femaleportions 46 may be rotated around each of the legs 32 a, 32 b by slidingthe female portions 46 along a surface 33 a, 33 b of the legs 32 a, 32b, respectively. A bar 52 may attach the leg 32 a to the leg 32 b. Thebar 52 may be attached to the leg 32 a and the leg 32 b via, forexample, a fastener (not shown).

FIG. 2 illustrates the table 2 in a semi-folded state. To this end, thescrews 51 may be loosened to allow the rods 24 a, 24 b to be removedfrom the openings 50. The platform 4 may then be lifted at the first end8. The leg 30 b may be rotated in a clockwise direction, as indicated byarrow 54, wherein the female portion 46 slides across the leg 32 b. Theleg 30 b may then be placed adjacent to the bar 52. The leg 30 a maythen be rotated in a clockwise direction, as indicated by arrow 56wherein the female portion 46 slides across the leg 32 a. The leg 30 amay be placed adjacent to the bar 52. The platform 4 may be pivoteddownward, into a folded state, wherein the first end 8 is placedadjacent to the bar 52, as illustrated in FIG. 3. In the folded state,the table 2 may have a width 60 which may allow the user to transportthe table from a first location to a second location, such as forexample, a first area of a room to another area within the room, or froma first room to a second room. The folded state of the table 2 may alsoenable the table 2 to be stored in a location which may have less spacethan that required for conventional tables.

Referring again to FIG. 1, in an embodiment, a shelf 70 may be providedunderneath the platform 4. The shelf 70 may rest on bars 72 which havehooks 73. The bars 72 may hook onto the bars 42 a, 44 a. The shelf 70may have a length 74 and a width 76. The length 74 and the width 76 ofthe shelf 70 may be sized to accommodate, for example, books, documents,writing supplies, or other materials or items. Moreover, other items,such as, for example, tools, calculators or other devices, may be hungfrom the bars 42 a, 42 b, 44 a, 44 b of the table 2. Additional bars maybe fastened to the table 2 where necessary to support fixtures, such as,for example, additional shelves, tools, containers for housing writingutensils, or other devices. In another embodiment, a reading lamp (notshown), or other type of lamp may be attached to the platform 4 to, forexample, illuminate documents placed on the table 2. In an embodiment,clamps (not shown) and/or straps (not shown) may be associated with theplatform 4 to secure documents in a fixed position.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to thepresently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention andwithout diminishing its attendant advantages. It is, therefore, intendedthat such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

1. A table comprising: a platform having a length defined between afirst end and second end and a width defined between a first side and asecond side; a first plurality of legs attached to a bottom surface ofthe platform at the first end of the platform wherein the firstplurality of legs are vertical and parallel to one another defining aplane between the first plurality of legs; a second plurality of legsattached to the platform at the second end of the platform wherein thesecond plurality of legs are vertical and parallel to one another; and abar connecting one of the first plurality of legs to one of the secondplurality of legs wherein one of the second plurality of legs rotatesalong an axis defined by one of the first plurality of legs towards theplane.
 2. The table of claim 1 further comprising: a rod extending fromthe platform wherein the rod is received within one of the secondplurality of legs.
 3. The table of claim 1 further comprising: wheelsattached to one of the first plurality of legs.
 4. The table of claim 1further comprising: a rail attached to the platform at the second end.5. The table of claim 1 further comprising: a bar between the bottomsurface of the platform and the first plurality of legs wherein theplatform pivots with respect to the bar.
 6. The table of claim 1 furthercomprising: a shelf attached to the bar.
 7. The table of claim 1 whereineach of the second plurality of legs is shorter than each of the firstplurality of legs.
 8. A table comprising: a platform having a lengthdefined between a first end and a second end wherein the platform has abottom surface; a first plurality of legs removably attached to theplatform at the first end wherein each of the first plurality of legshas a length defined between a top end and a bottom end wherein the topend is adjacent to the bottom surface of the platform; and a secondplurality of legs attached to the platform at the second end whereineach of the first plurality of legs rotates about an axis defined byeach of the second plurality of legs wherein the top end of each of thefirst plurality of legs rotates about the axis from the first end of theplatform to the second end.
 9. The table of claim 8 further comprising:a bar connecting each of the first plurality of legs to each of thesecond plurality of legs.
 10. The table of claim 8 further comprising:wheels associated with each of the first plurality of legs.
 11. Thetable of claim 8 further comprising: a bar connected to each of thesecond plurality of legs wherein the platform is attached to the bar.12. The table of claim 8 further comprising: a rod extending from theplatform wherein the rod contacts the top end of one of the firstplurality of legs.
 13. The table of claim 8 further comprising: a shelfpositioned between the first plurality of legs and the second pluralityof legs.
 14. The table of claim 8 further comprising: a rail attached tothe platform.
 15. The table of claim 8 wherein each of the secondplurality of legs is longer than the each of the first plurality oflegs.
 16. The table of claim 8 further comprising: a bar attached to thebottom surface of the platform wherein the bar contacts one of the firstplurality of legs and one of the second plurality of legs.
 17. The tableof claim 8 further comprising: fasteners attached to the first pluralityof legs wherein the fasteners secure the platform to the first pluralityof legs.
 18. A method for collapsing a table, the method comprising thesteps of: providing a platform having a length defined between a firstend and a second end; removably attaching a first plurality of legs tothe platform at the first end; attaching a second plurality of legs tothe platform at the second end; and connecting one of the firstplurality of legs to one of the second plurality of legs wherein the oneof the first plurality of legs rotates about an axis defined by the oneof the second plurality of legs.
 19. The method of claim 20 furthercomprising the step of: folding the platform wherein the first end ofthe platform is moved adjacent to the second plurality of legs.
 20. Themethod of claim 20 further comprising the step of: detaching theplatform from the first plurality of legs.